DewaFlex appoints sales manager for JM Heaford products in France

DewaFlex, JM Heaford’s agent for France, has confirmed the appointment of Niels Soenen as sales manager to handle growing demand for the UK manufacturer’s products.

Established in 2013 and operating in France and Benelux, DewaFlex is commercial agent for a number of suppliers to the flexo industry, including Zecher anilox rollers, Axcyl sleeves, Doyle dust suction systems and Alpha rewinder tables. The company also has its own range of anilox cleaning products and services. In addition to sales, installation and servicing for all its products, DewaFlex provides independent consultancy on flexo production projects.

DewaFlex cited a steady rise in enquiries regarding JM Heaford flexo proofing and mounting systems as a catalyst for the appointment. The formal appointment of Soenen follows a provisional period during which he has focused on increasing awareness in France of JM Heaford technologies for improving efficiency of flexo print production.

The new position recognizes increased sales activity regarding the FTS narrow web mounter and an overall upsurge in interest from smaller French label printing companies.

‘You could say that the name Heaford has been a well-kept secret in France,’ said Soenen. ‘We have found many flexo printers operating JM Heaford models round the clock without even realizing they have one. Because they are so robust and reliable, running day-in, day-out without an issue, their operators have never needed to contact the manufacturer. It’s a great endorsement of build quality and customer satisfaction.

‘My role is to continue spreading the word about the other JM Heaford machines that can make a significant difference to the productivity and efficiency of label printing operations.’

Pieter Dewaele, DewaFlex owner and director, commented that the timing of this appointment coincides with generally positive signs from across the flexo industry in France. ‘Even though there is still a lot of shift within the French label printing and flexible packaging industries, we are nevertheless seeing strong indicators for JM Heaford. It produces very innovative yet stable machines, which are ideal for taking the next step in production. Following some of the latest trends, there is also a real need for mounting machines that are both very accurate and fast. JM Heaford is addressing this through its semi-automatic and fully automatic offerings.’

JM Heaford managing director Sally-Anne Heaford added: ‘The sustained flow of new business enquiries and completed orders confirms that French label printers in particular are getting wise to the suitability of JM Heaford models for their specialist high-quality applications. It’s thanks to the focus and professionalism of DewaFlex and, of course, our proven manufacturing standards that they are gaining competitive advantages through JM Heaford applied design.’